"His dedication to the community will be forever recognized,''Greco said. "Patrick displayed commitment and pride in the parish with his successful orange business, as president of the Jefferson Parish Farm Bureau, and with his reign as 2008 Orange King.''

Becnel, 47, was married and had three children. A sixth-generation citrus farmer, Becnel also served as a deacon at St. Patrick's Church.

"His life touched the hearts and lives of many people. Patrick is deeply missed by many family and friends in the community,'' his family said in a statement.

Authorities said Becnel was killed and two others injured Wednesday after the helicopter, owned by Panther Helicopters of Belle Chasse, crashed after taking off from an oil rig. A fourth employee escaped unharmed.

An investigation is continuing into the incident about 30 miles from Venice near the Main Pass Block 108, according to the Coast Guard.

The passengers were employees of Wood Group PSN, a Houston energy company.